Image By: Stuart Seeger
Looks like texting isn’t the biggest problem on the roads anymore.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was released this week, 1 in 24 adults admitted to falling asleep while driving recently.
Those behind the study believe that number is probably higher, taking into account that some people may not realize when they nod off for a few seconds.
Either way, researchers aren’t surprised by the results.
According to Dr. Gregory Belenky, director of Washington State University’s Sleep and Performance Research Center, many individuals are not getting enough rest. The study showed that falling asleep behind the wheel is more common in those who average less than six hours of sleep at night.
Males, especially those aged 25 to 34, also have increased chances for dozing off.
But the weirdest risk factor? Being from Texas.
The study’s lead author says this strange finding may be a result of the survey sample in Texas including more young adults with a lack of sleep or overweight individuals who suffer from sleep apnea.
Regardless of where you’re driving, researchers encourage everyone to look out for drowsy drivers. Dozing off for just one second at 60 mph means 88 feet are unaccounted for—that’s the length of two school buses.